The Efficiency of Electrocoagulation Process Using Iron Electrode in Removal of Humic Acid from Water in the Presence of Chitosan as a Coagulant Aid

Background: Natural organic substances in water cause problems during water treatment processes. The potential of these compounds as precursor of trihalomethanes formation has increased the necessity of removing these compounds from water more than ever. In the current study, the effect of chitosan, as a cheap and efficient coagulant, in the electrocoagulation process with iron electrode for removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions was evaluated. Methods: In this study, a batch reactor equipped with 4 iron electrodes in dimensions of 2*20*200 mm, with a volume of 1 L and connected to an electrical source was used. The effects of current density, initial humic acid concentration, chitosan concentration and pH in the electrocoagulation process were investigated. Excel software was used to analyze the obtained results. Results: The results indicated pH = 6, current density=40 V, and chitosan concentration= 2 mg/L as the optimal conditions for the process. Also, in the presence of chitosan as a coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process, after 60 min, the process efficiency reached 68%. Conclusion: Based on the current findings, electrocoagulation process is a suitable process in removal of humic acid. Also, chitosan is an efficient coagulant aid in the electrocoagulation process with iron electrode and increases the process efficiency. Keywords: Electrocoagulation, Humic acid, Coagulant aid, Chitosa